Overview
- The Springboks will open their Nations Championship campaign against England at Ellis Park on July 4, with selections and rotations to be further tested in that match.
- Coach Rassie Erasmus singled out England back‑row Henry Pollock for praise, likening his on‑field output to Siya Kolisi and calling it exceptional.
- Erasmus said the announced 46‑man group is fluid and will be regularly rotated so players can rest, recover from recent club fixtures and be assessed in different matches.
- Veterans who missed initial selection, including Faf de Klerk and Vincent Koch, remain in contention according to Erasmus, and the coaching staff have plans for Scotland and Wales that could change the squad after the opener.
- Injury and availability are key constraints for selection: Lood de Jager is described as 'touch‑and‑go' for the England match and SARU staff report roughly 15–17 players are currently injured, rested or earmarked for later fixtures, which shapes short‑term choices and long‑term World Cup planning.